We are nearly halfway through summer and it is H-O-T! If your house is anything like mine, the kids are always ready to do something outdoors, but what do you do when the temps are feeling like 100+ degrees by lunchtime?
With the beach, parks and indoor play spaces in the area, there are lots of options for both you and the kids! Here are some fun activities we have either done or are on our summer bucket list before they head back to school.
HIT THE BEACH
Lather up that sunscreen and set your alarm to beat the heat at the beach, or head there later in the day when it’s cooler. Take the bikes and go for a family bike ride or go for a long walk to collect shells and shark teeth. Need to up the ante? Walking through the water will create some resistance to work the legs and cool you off! If it isn’t too hot yet, walking through the soft sand is sure to give your legs a great workout.
PADDLE BOARDING
COOL OFF IN THE POOL
The pool has been where you can find us most weekends to escape the heat! One thing I love to do while the kids play is tread water in the deep end. Trust me, 10 minutes of treading water is tough! You’ll feel muscles in your legs you probably haven’t used or felt in a while, and stay cool in the process of getting your heart rate up and feeling that muscle burn. You can also push the kiddos around in their float by placing your hands on their raft and kicking around the pool — perfect to keep those little ones who aren’t quite swimming yet entertained and get your workout in.
Don’t have access to a pool? Check out the Solomon Calhoun Center, or Ebb Tide for a fun family day (and you can even grab food at Ebb Tide!)
CLIMB THE LIGHTHOUSE
This is something we will hopefully be checking off our list this summer, but we’re still crossing our fingers our son will reach the 44″ height requirement to climb the Lighthouse and take in the scenery from high in the sky! Climb the 219 steps to not only see beautiful St. Augustine from a bird’s eye view but to also sneak a workout in!
STAY HOME!
Feel like staying at home? Head out with the kiddos to play soccer or baseball, play tag, put together a mini obstacle course, or see who can ‘catch’ the bubbles first. Do your push-ups, squats, and lunges while they use their imagination, or have them join you! Use stairs on the patio or inside to do step-ups, elevated push-ups, toe taps, and more. Get creative and you’ll be sweating in no time!
STAY INSIDE!
There are fun places in the area to stay cool in the A/C like trampoline parks (check out Bravoz or Flight Fit n Fun). Rock climbing is another fun activity for you and/or the older kids! Challenge yourself both mentally and physically at either The Edge Rock Gym or Beaches Rock Gym. For the younger kids, check out Mommy & Me Yoga classes or find a place to take time for yourself while your kids play at Fit Mamas!
Whatever you choose to do, have fun, let go of expectations, and enjoy the moment!
Have a great rest of your summer!
Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider. Consult your physician if you experience any symptoms of weakness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or dizziness, chest pain or pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath. Mild soreness after exercise may be experienced after beginning a new exercise.
